(Courtesy of Allison Brooks)

Cynthia Ogilvie Brooks, born August 4, 1949, peacefully passed away at the age of 76 on June 4, 2026, following a courageous journey with primary progressive aphasia.

Born in Pennsylvania to David and Rebecca, her family moved to Santa Barbara, California in 1952, where she developed a love of California beaches. She grew up there with her older brother David (Mac) and younger siblings Frank and Jane. Cindy enjoyed her time as a Girl Scout, singing in various choirs, and made trips back to Pennsylvania during the summers to spend time with grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins Barb and Alan.

She remained in Santa Barbara for her early adult life, accomplishing her childhood dream of graduating from UCSB. After college, she married Steve and gave birth to her children, Jim and Allison. In 1982, Cindy and family moved to Cupertino, California, where she continued to raise her children and earn a teaching credential from San Jose State. She proudly taught at Stocklmeir elementary school from 1989-2012 where she was highly regarded by staff and students, including earning a distinguished teacher of the year award.

Cindy retired in 2012 to become a full-time grandmother to her grandchildren Desmond, Aili, and Jameson, caring for them multiple times a week, and ensuring that they never went a day without dessert. During her retirement she traveled with her children, grandchildren, friends, niece, and cousins.

Cindy was known for her love of ice cream, candy, beaches, soap operas, musicals, ballads, traveling, clothes shopping, chocolate, Disneyland, and solitaire. She was a dedicated mother, wife, sister, daughter in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Cindy’s generous nature, bright smile, and love she gave will forever live in the hearts of her family, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to one of the following organizations in Cindy’s memory and honor: